There is nothing quite like the North Pacific Union Conference Regional Convocation. Nowhere is the multicultural blending of our church in the Northwest more evident. This year's event, held May 17–20 at Camp Berachah in Auburn, Wash., was no exception.
More than a thousand excited, energetic Adventists came from all points of the Northwest, with even an enthusiastic group from Canada. They enjoyed a spiritual repast on a theme taken from Philippians 2 — Let His Mind Be in You. Carlton Byrd, Breath of Life director/speaker, was the keynote speaker for both the Friday evening program and the Sabbath morning sermon.
Those who attended heard presentations from Northwest pastors Festus Gumbo, Nathaniel Good, Colin Dunbar and Kevin Rhamie. Other participants came from across the nation: Lawrence Dorsey of Living Word Ministries, musicians Wayne Bucknor and Andrew Benjamin Young from Oakwood University, and youth speakers Mike Lowe and Deon Chatman.
The photos here tell part of the story. But there's no substitute for being there in person. Make plans now to attend next year's convocation to see and hear for yourself.
Music provides an electric atmosphere throughout the convocation. Here the Mass Choir, directed by Andrew Young from Oakwood University, in Huntsville, Ala., adds to the Sabbath morning worship experience recorded on video for future Breath of Life broadcasts.
Alphonso McCarthy, North Pacific Union Conference vice president for regional affairs, welcomes the crowd. McCarthy coordinates this annual event along with his administrative assistant, Pattric Parris, and a team of Northwest pastors and members.
The praise and worship team leads a very active youth group in a gospel chorus during the weekend program. (Dimitra Williams)
Lawrence Dorsey, Living Word Ministries director/speaker, challenges the audience during the Friday morning program. (Dimitra Williams)
During the Friday morning devotional, Nathaniel Good, Breath of Life Church (Seattle, Wash.) pastor, commits the day to prayer. (Dimitra Williams)
Terrance Taylor, Pasco (Wash.) Ephesus Church pastor, leads out during a young adult program. (Dimitra Williams)
An overflow crowd packs in the main auditorium at Camp Berachah in Auburn, Wash., for the Sabbath Services. (Dimitra Williams)
Pedrito Maynard-Reid, Walla Walla University (College Place, Wash.) biblical studies and missiology professor, receives special recognition during the convocation. (Dimitra Williams)
Children, dressed to the nines, sing their hearts out during their Sabbath morning program. (Dimitra Williams)
Carlton Byrd, Breath of Life director/speaker and convocation keynote speaker, reinforces his message with Scripture. (Dimitra Williams)
